1 × USB cable (USB-C or micro-USB depending on model)
Recovery seed card(s) or printed cards for seed backup
Quick start pamphlet and tamper-evidence stickers
Important: Only buy hardware wallets from official sources or trusted resellers. If the package shows signs of tampering, do not use the device and contact support.
Before you start — prerequisites
Gather these items and information before beginning setup:
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or supported mobile device with a recent browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) and stable internet.
Your Trezor device and its USB cable.
A secure, private place to write down your recovery seed. Avoid storing the seed on any connected device or cloud service.
Optional: a password manager for storing account metadata (never store seed words in it).
Security note: The recovery seed (24 words on most devices) is the single point of recovery for your crypto. Never share it. Trezor employees will never ask for your seed.
Initial setup: connect, firmware, PIN
Follow these steps to initialize your device for the first time.
1. Unbox & inspect
Check tamper stickers and packaging. If anything looks modified or suspicious, stop and contact the seller or vendor.
2. Connect your Trezor to the computer
Plug the device into your computer using the supplied USB cable. The device screen will power on and display a welcome message.
3. Install Trezor Suite (recommended)
Visit the official Trezor website to download Trezor Suite or open suite.trezor.io in your browser. Prefer the official desktop app for the best experience. If you use the web suite, the device still handles keys locally.
4. Follow on-screen setup
When Trezor Suite detects your device it will guide you through:
Verifying the device model and fingerprint on the device screen.
Checking for the latest firmware — follow prompts to install updates if needed.
Choosing to create a new wallet or recover an existing one from seed words.
5. Create a PIN
The PIN protects access to the device if it’s connected to an attacker’s computer. Choose a PIN at least 4 digits long (longer is better). The device shows a randomized keypad on screen — enter the PIN via your computer interface but confirm digits on the device screen to prevent keyloggers from learning your PIN.
Tip: avoid obvious PINs (1234, 0000) and never write the PIN on the same paper as your recovery seed.
Seed (recovery) generation & secure backup
The recovery seed (also called a mnemonic or recovery phrase) is the most critical element of the wallet. It allows you to restore access to funds if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen.
How the seed is created
During setup the device will generate a set of words (typically 12, 18, or 24) using the device's secure random number generator. These words are shown on the device screen — never type them into a computer.
Steps to back up your seed safely
Write each word carefully, in order, on the provided recovery card(s) or on high-quality archival paper. Use a pen that won't fade. Double-check spelling and order.
Store the backup in multiple secure locations (for example, two geographically separate safe deposits or safes). Consider steel backups for maximum durability.
Do not photograph or store the seed in cloud storage, email, or on any internet-connected device.
Consider creating an additional hidden backup, or using a split-backup (Shamir Backup) if your model supports it. Shamir Secret Sharing allows splitting the seed into multiple shares with a threshold for recovery.
Testing recovery (strongly recommended)
After setup, you can perform a test recovery using a spare device to ensure your written seed is correct. Do this only with a device you control and in a secure environment.
Never disclose your recovery seed to anyone. No legitimate support representative will ever ask for it.
Installing and using Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the desktop (and web) app that provides the graphical interface for managing accounts, viewing balances, sending transactions, and settings.
Install steps (desktop)
Download the installer from the official Trezor site (verify you are on the correct domain).
Install the application and open it. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy.
Connect the device and follow the Suite prompts to create or recover a wallet.
Using the Suite
Key Suite features:
Account dashboard and portfolio overview
Receive addresses and QR codes
Send transactions with on-device confirmation
Settings for devices, passphrase, hidden wallets, and advanced options
When sending funds, always verify the address on the device screen before approving. The device controls the final confirmation and prevents host-side address substitution attacks.
Add accounts & manage assets
Trezor supports dozens of blockchains. Trezor Suite lists supported cryptocurrencies and lets you add accounts for each asset.
Adding an account
Open Trezor Suite → Accounts → Add account.
Select the cryptocurrency and follow prompts. For some assets (like Ethereum tokens), you may need to add tokens manually or connect to a supported third-party wallet.
Third-party wallets
For some chains or advanced DeFi interactions you may use third-party wallets (MetaMask, WalletConnect, Electrum, etc.) while keeping keys on your Trezor. Always confirm on-device before signing transactions.
Send and receive crypto
Receive
To receive crypto:
Open Trezor Suite → Accounts → Receive.
Choose the account and request a receive address.
Verify the displayed address on your Trezor device screen exactly matches the address shown in Suite before sharing it with the sender.
Send
To send crypto:
Open Accounts → Send.
Enter the destination address and amount (or scan a QR code).
Review the transaction details in Suite and on the device screen.
Confirm the transaction on your Trezor device to sign it — the private key never leaves the device.
Advanced: For Bitcoin you can set manual fees, choose UTXOs in some wallets, or use coin-control features in compatible apps.
Firmware updates & device maintenance
Keeping firmware updated ensures security patches and protocol improvements are applied.
When you connect the device, Suite checks for firmware updates. Follow the official prompts to download and install firmware.
During firmware installation the device will display a fingerprint and a checksum — verify these match the values shown in Suite.
Do not disconnect the device while updating. The device will reboot when complete.
If an update fails, follow the recovery instructions in Suite or consult the official support resources.
Security best practices
Buy genuine devices: Only purchase from official channels.
Keep your seed offline: Never type your seed into a website, cloud service, or email.
Use a strong PIN: and change it occasionally.
Use passphrase (optional): A passphrase creates a hidden wallet; treat it like an additional secret (do not store it together with your seed).
Verify addresses on-device: Always check the address displayed on your Trezor screen before confirming a send.
Multi-factor and multisig: Consider multisignature setups for high-value holdings.
Physical security: Store your device and seed in secure, separate locations.
If you suspect compromise (someone saw your seed or device is behaving oddly), transfer funds to a new wallet with a new seed immediately.
Troubleshooting
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable or port (avoid USB hubs).
Restart your computer and reconnect the device.
Ensure Trezor Suite or the browser has necessary permissions.
Firmware update failed
Do not unplug the device mid-update. If the device is unresponsive, reconnect and open Suite — it should offer recovery steps.
If problems persist, use Suite's recovery mode to reinstall firmware and restore from seed.
I lost my seed
If you cannot find your seed backup, assume it is lost — treat the wallet as compromised and move funds to a new wallet with a newly generated seed as soon as possible.
Suspect compromised seed or device
If you suspect anyone has seen your seed, or you think your device may have been tampered with, generate a new seed on a new device and transfer funds to the new wallet.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Trezor safe to use with web wallets like MetaMask?
A: Yes — Trezor can be used with MetaMask and other third-party wallets via bridge integration. The private keys remain on the device; MetaMask only requests signatures.
Q: What is a passphrase and should I use one?
A: A passphrase acts as an extra word appended to your recovery seed, effectively creating a hidden wallet. It greatly increases security if used correctly, but if you forget the passphrase you lose access. Use with caution.
Q: What if I lose my Trezor device?
A: Your funds are still recoverable using your recovery seed. Get a new device, choose "Recover wallet" during setup, and enter your seed to restore access.
Q: Can Trezor be hacked remotely?
A: The device isolates private keys from the connected computer. Remote compromise requires either knowledge of your seed and/or PIN, physical access, or sophisticated supply-chain attacks. Following recommended security practices minimizes risk.
Q: Does Trezor support NFTs and tokens?
A: Trezor supports many token standards via Trezor Suite or third-party wallets. For some chains, use a compatible explorer or wallet that supports tokens and confirm transactions on-device.
Legal & final notes
This guide is a comprehensive, community-style getting started walkthrough. It is intended to help new users safely use their Trezor hardware wallet. For official documentation, software downloads, firmware release notes, and verified support articles please consult the official Trezor channels and website.
This page does not replace official manuals or legal disclaimers. Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible — you are responsible for securely managing your seed and device.